The tyre is the only element to make contact between the vehicle and the road. That is why using and maintaining tyres correctly, as well as being aware of their characteristics, is fundamental in order to guarantee safety in any situation, to increase your tyres’ lifespan and to save money. Always remember to drive safely and respect the environment.
The tyre pressure has a strong influence to the safety and economy of a vehicle. Tyre pressure when cold (never try to adjust the pressure while the tyre is hot) must therefore be checked regularly (every month), especially before a long trip.
BRAKING DISTANCE
TYRE WEAR
A tyre is made of rubber, steel and fibres. Steel and fibres are structural materials, the rubber has the function of protecting them against environmental influences. The rubber itself can be damaged by chemicals or other environmental influences.
Sharp objects, strong impacts or other mistreatment can cause visible and invisible structural defects.
Also tyre pressure that is too low causes structural defects.
High temperatures and sunlight can destroy the rubber.
The tread depth is a substantial safety factor. It has an important influence on the vehicle’s contact with the ground.
BRAKING DISTANCE
While braking, the Antiblock Braking System is controlling the wheel at the slip threshold and water is collected. The tyre tread becomes saturated and the braking distance increases drastically.
Braking distance in metres and remaining speed:
HYDROPLANING
Hydroplaning depends on water depth, tread depth and driving speed. In order to measure hydroplaning, a car is driven into a basin with 8 mm water and speeds up. As soon as the motor works harder without speeding up, hydroplaning starts.
The correct choice of seasonal change-over is fundamental for safe driving. Summer tyres in summer, winter tyres in winter. Braking distance, traction and stability all strongly depend on the adequate rubber compound.
GRIP IN DIFFERENT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES
Winter tyres not only ensure grip on snow, they perform better than summer tyres whenever the temperature drops below 7°C. Pirelli recommends fitting winter tyres to ensure mobility on every surface and in all cold weather conditions.
BRAKING
From +7°C and under, summer tyres have longer braking distances, and drastically less grip on snow.